XVIII. To a superioress

Let me first thank you again for your great kindness and extreme generosity. I have seldom been so happy as during the days I spent at |. . .|. It was like being at home. I now daily place all your dear children, and your intentions, in my heart when going to choir and the altar.

I saw His Grace, the Archbishop, yesterday. He begs me to treat a very delicate and confidential matter with you. He has always taken a great interest in poor F. Tyrrell, S.J., and his large, loving

• George Tyrrell (1861-1909), whose expulsion from the Jesuits had occurred this year. An Irish Anglican convert to Catholicism in 1879, and a Stonyhurst Jesuit from 1880, he came to deny the validity of Revelation as “a direct communication from God to man” (Catholic Encyclopedia), and in general espoused Modernist principles. His attack on Leo XIII’s decree Lamentabili and encyclical Pascendi Gregts in 1907 resulted in his “‘virtual excommunication,” although many Catholics befriended him in charity, and “Cardinal Bourne courageously refused to condemn [him], as he considered he was suffering from disease” (Leslie, op. cit., p. 188); and, upon becoming suddenly fatally ill, he received the last sacraments from a Southwark priest and absolution from his dear friend Abbé Brémond. Concerning relations between Mercier and Tyrrell, see Thibaut, op. cit., pp. 286-90. (MEE) heart suffers at the thought that that rich nature and brilliant intellect should be in danger of being lost; and also at the thought of his being deprived of happiness and grace of daily Mass. His Grace’s first thought was to offer him a place in his archdiocese, on the condition that he would neither preach, nor hear confessions, nor publish anything without permission. However, after chatting the matter over with me, he came to the conclusion for several grave reasons, that it would not be prudent to do so. His Grace could have him accepted in some other diocese, (Liége or Namur), on the above conditions; but he wishes to be assured of his orthodoxy and actual dispositions, and for this he has recourse to you. Please try and find out his actual dispositions, and, if you are satisfied, you could let him know, — without speaking of the Archbishop, — that there could be found in Belgium an “Episcopus benevolus’* who would be willing to give him an opportunity of celebrating Mass and of living in retirement. His Grace thinks also of putting him in relation with me, which might be useful for both.

Please let me have your opinion as soon as possible, as I am to see His Grace towards the end of the week.

Pray for me, as I do for you; and believe me with sincere respect, yours devotedly in J.C.

Dom Columba Marmion.

Pax Mont César, Louvain. 6 April 1906

Confidential Dear Rev. Mother,

I have just received the Archbishop’s reply. I transcribe the part which regards our case. Le point important est de savoir st T. a conservé la fot 2 la présence réelle. Qu’entend-l par “absolute secularisation’? S’il est disposé a@ vivre dans la retraite, a sinterdire des initiatives, et a seconder seulement celles que je prendrais, ou lut suggérerais, je ferai mon possible pour l’aider. Je ne verrats pas de dtfficulté a recevoir sa visite. Je lui ferats savoir par avance que le fait de le

• “A kindly bishop.” recevoir ne m’engage, ni ne l'engage, a rien. Ce serait uniquement un moyen de se connaitre, et a chercher a s’entendre. Dans un mois par exemple

It appears to me that you would do well to acquaint him very confidentially with the benevolent dispositions of His Grace, & the conditions which he insists on. He should however keep this strictly secret for the present.

Recommending myself to your prayers, I remain yours most devotedly in J.C.

Dom Columba Marmion, O.S.B.

P.S. His Grace says that having been asked by a religious community permission to expose the B. Sacrament for several hours the rst Fridays of the month, he has accorded the permission, but on condition that one hour’s adoration should be made for His Grace’s intention, which is “d’obtenir lumiére, force et humilité pour F.T.”?

Postcard R. Mother Prioress General. Pax. Louvain Sep. 28 [1909]? Pray for newly elected abbot of Maredsous. Devise:* non praeesse, sed prodesse*® taken from Rule of S. Benedict.

“ Columba O.S.B.

“The important point is to know if T. has kept his faith in the Real Presence. What does he mean by ‘absolute secularization’? If he will agree to live in retirement, to initiate nothing, and to support only such enterprises as I might undertake or suggest to him, I will do all that I can to help him. I see no difficulty in receiving a visit from him. I will make him understand in advance that the fact of receiving him commits neither me, nor him in any way. It would be solely an occasion to get to know each other better, and try to come to an understanding: perhaps in a month’s time, for instance.”

?“*To obtain light, strength and humility for Father T.”

• Postcard written the day of his election as abbot.

? Motto.

3“Not to command, but to be useful.” Rule, chap. 64: of the appointment of the abbot.

11g

Pax Maredsous. 27 Oct. | 1909]

My dear Mother Prioress,

You can easily understand that every moment of my time has been more than taken up since my election. The administration of this monastery, with its very numerous community (130), its College, its school of art, its farm, & St. Scholastica would take up the time of an abbot at any ordinary time, especially if, as I try to do, he is present at all the divine office; but during these first few weeks, I have had such correspondence, & so many long standing questions to settle, that you can understand why you have heard so little from me. I know you do not attribute it to want of interest or love for your two communities.

Let me thank you, ex immo corde, for your kind present: this chain? will recall the golden links of affection which our dear Lord has deigned to establish between me & your dear communities.

Our Lord has helped me wonderfully up to this; my health is excellent, & all hearts are inclined towards me, so that I meet nothing but docility & good will. In fact, I am astonished & edified at the humility & reverential affection of all, especially of the older members. I attribute this in great part to all the fervent prayers offered for me; & also to the fact that I only accepted the charge when imposed “in virtute sanctae obedientiae.”*

Please tell |. . .] that I shall soon write, & remain ever most intimately united in prayer & holy delectation with all.

Most devotedly yours in J.C. # Columba Abb.

Pax: Maredsous. 14 Dec. | 1909]

My dear Mother Prioress,

I have just received your beautiful gift.’ It is just what I like. As I am obliged to wear gold, I like it pure, simple & solid. Pure, to

• The chain of his abbatial pectoral cross.

*In virtue of Holy Obedience. See Thibaut, op. cit., pp. 172 f. * The chain mentioned in the preceding letter. symbolise the purity & sincerity of the affection I bear to your two communities. Simple, to symbolise the desire I retain to be humble & poor in spirit beneath the symbols of the dignity which has been placed on my shoulders. Solid, to symbolise the fidelity & strength of that attachment which our Lord has given me for my dear sisters Eats." |.

I do feel it was He who drew us together, & placed in my heart that strong desire of your perfection & prosperity, which forms daily the object of my prayer before God.

Allow me to thank you again for this too rich present, & to assure you of my unchanging attachment & devotion to you & to your two communities.

I hope to be able soon to come & pass a few hours with you all, & say all that my heart would say, but finds not words.

Ever in J.C., yours devotedly # Columba Abb.